Staff Report, January 14, 2020
SunFile Photo by Alexandria Herrera
NORTH PORT — The baseball world will focus on West Villages next month, as the first full Atlanta Braves spring training camp dawns at the new Cool Today Park.
To get it all started, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred will join several former MLB players and other dignitaries from Florida’s spring training teams for a celebratory dinner at the Braves’ new facility.
The Governor’s Baseball Dinner is set for Feb. 16 at Cool Today Park, the spring training home in North Port for the Atlanta Braves, organizers announced Tuesday.
Spring training has a long history in Sarasota County dating back to 1924 at Payne Park. Many teams have called the county their spring training home, but the opening of Cool Today Park at the end of spring training last year signaled Major League Baseball’s first foray into South County.
“It’s a prestigious event for our community and the city of North Port to be able to welcome the governor and dignitaries that attend each year, as well as team representatives,” said Shelby Connett, director of sports for Visit Sarasota County.
The welcoming dinner is annually attended by the governor, local elected officials, the MLB commissioner, representatives of the 15 teams in Florida’s Grapefruit League, and members of the local community. Spring training kicks off in mid-February.
“Having them right in our backyard really shows off our community and creates a great name for Sarasota in terms of spring training,” Connett said.
Connett said they don’t project economic impact for any events, but organizers of the Governor’s Baseball Dinner, the Florida Sports Foundation, anticipate 400 to 500 guests, all likely staying at least one night in the area.
Names of the players in attendance should be released within the next week.
Major Leaguers, DeSantis and other high profile visitors in North Port earns thumbs up from local leaders.
“Any time you get the governor in your amazing city, that’s a big deal,” North Port Mayor Debbie McDowell said.
“The stadium is a major economic driver for the community,” North Port assistant city manager Jason Yarborough said. “We’re excited.”
Guests purchasing a VIP ticket get access to the VIP reception, which provides an opportunity to mingle and get autographs. Tickets can be purchased online at playinflorida.com, selecting the Governor’s Baseball Dinner tab at the top of the homepage.
More than 1.4 million fans attended games in Florida during the 2019 season, according to MLB.com. For schedules, ticket information and more about the Braves and Cool Today Park, visit
www.mlb.com/braves.
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964
West Villages Realty LLC
19503 S West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2 & A11 (by Appt)
Venice, Florida 34293
Office: 941-460-3179
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